Gunsite Pass - This is a moderate difficulty trail that is an old mining road with beautiful views from Gunsight Pass and Lopez Pass at the top of the Santa Rita Mountains. Trail is about 23 miles off pavement.

Patagonia Mountains - This is an easy difficulty trail. This is a scenic mountain drive that reaches five forgotten back country towns; Harshaw, Mowry, Washington Camp, Duquesne and Lochiel.

Gardner Canyon - This is a moderate difficulty trail. It features many side roads to explore, many are difficult. Trail is about 18.3 miles.

Bull Springs Road - This is a moderate difficulty trail of about 24 miles. This features a little used mining road that crosses the Santa Rita Mountains from I-19 to Hwy 82 south of Patagonia.

http://www.experience-az.com/

Audubon Research Ranch

The mission of The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society is to formulate, test, and demonstrate methods to rehabilitate and safeguard the bioregion, and provide assistance to citizens and policy-makers in the protection and stewardship of our native ecosystems, natural resources and quality of life.

The Research Ranch is a cooperative partnership among the National Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the Nature Conservancy, Swift Current Land & Cattle Co., LLC, and the Research Ranch Foundation. The Research Ranch lies three miles south of Elgin, and 65 miles southeast of Tucson Arizona. For more than 30 years, the Research Ranch has protected grassland ecosystems through conservation, research, and education.

To protect wildlife habitat and ongoing research projects at the Research Ranch, public access must be restricted. Some roads and trails are accessible with permission only. E-mail or call 520-455-5522 for information. Please do not walk or drive off existing roads or trails, and do not collect any plants, animals, rocks, or artifacts.

Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society
366 Research Ranch Rd.
Elgin, Arizona 85611
researchranch@audubon.org
520 455 5522

http://researchranch.audubon.org/

Arizona Trail

The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a continuous, 800+ mile diverse and scenic trail across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. It links deserts, mountains, canyons, communities and people.

The Arizona Trail was the dream of Dale Shewalter who envisioned a cross-state trail in the 1970s, and in 1985, while he was working as a Flagstaff schoolteacher, walked from Nogales to the Utah state line to explore the feasibility of a trail traversing Arizona. Immediately thereafter, Dale began traveling around the state giving presentations on his vision of a trail connecting communities, mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, public lands, historic sites, various trail systems, wilderness areas, and other points of interest. The idea was embraced by all types of trails users throughout Arizona, and by Arizona State Parks and the Kaibab, Coronado, Coconino, and Tonto National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks Service.

http://www.aztrail.org/

Birding

The Arizona Trail

Mt Wrightstown Wilderness

Madera Canyon

Empire - Cienega Resource Conservation Area

San Pedro Valley

Bisbee

Bisbee, 90 miles southeast of Tucson, is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County. The community was founded in 1880 and named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine.

This Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper, not to mention the silver, lead and zinc that came from these rich Mule Mountains. By the early 1900s, the Bisbee community was the largest city in the southwest between St. Louis and San Francisco.

It had a population of 20,000 people and had become the most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite its culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and shady ladies. In 1908 a fire ravaged most of Bisbee's commercial district along Main Street, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes.

http://www.bisbeearizona.com/

Black Oak Cemetery

Black Oak Cemetery is located in Canelo, (Canille) Arizona, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, on Highway 83
It is almost 14 miles from the junction of Highways 82 & 83, about 1/2 mile from mile marker 18 after you have entered into
the Coronado National Forest

http://lroslund.com/

Canelo Cowboy Church

Open Sundays 9am – Located in the historic one-room Canille schoolhouse built in 1912. Please join Pastor Steve Lindsey and some of the best live Christian blue grass music in the state. The third Sunday of each month is reserved for Rodeo Ranch Family Fun Days at the nearby Sonoita Fairgrounds starting at 8 AM.

http://www.canelocowboychurch.org/

Canelo Project

The Canelo Project is a small non-profit organization, that we, Bill and Athena Steen founded in 1989 and whose work centers on the theme – Connecting People, Culture and Nature.

The tiny town of Canelo, in southeastern Arizona, is home to The Canelo Project and the center of many of our activities . We rebuilt the old adobe ranch house and complex of buildings to function as a place where people of different backgrounds and cultures could come together to share in an ongoing exploration of living, building, the arts, music and regional foods.

2014 TOUR DATES:
FEBRUARY 15
MAY 3
AUGUST 2
OCTOBER 25
DECEMBER 27

http://www.caneloproject.com/

Fruitland Cemetery

Fruitland Cemetery is located in Elgin, Arizona, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, off of Highway 83
off of the Lower Elgin Road. It is located on private property and is very hard to find.

The homesteaders of the Fruitland area had hoped that Fruitland would be a community
of its own. They had hoped the railroad would put a water station by the tracks, but being there was one in Elgin 3 miles away
so that did not happen. The homesteaders had a plat map laid out. But it never came to be.

http://lroslund.com/fruitland

Coronado National Forest

The forest covers 1,780,000 acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 feet to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered mountain ranges. Recreation activities on the Coronado National Forest are nearly as diverse as the people who come to visit. The most popular ones are hiking, camping, birding, horseback riding, picnicking, sightseeing, and visiting historic areas.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado/

Elgin - Wine Country

Download our Winery Map!

Empire Ranch

The Empire Ranch Headquarters is magnificently situated in the high Sonoran Desert and rolling grasslands of Arizona, located just 50 miles southeast of Tucson, and 10 miles north of Sonoita.

The Ranch Headquarters and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA) are open daily to visitors from sunrise to sunset. There is no charge for entry. Certain weekends there are free docent lead tours. Check their website for exact dates.

The Empire Ranch House is a 22-room adobe and wood frame building, which dates to 1870 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch sits at the heart of the 42,000-acre Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (NCA), on public lands acquired and administered since 1988 by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tucson Field Office.

http://www.empireranchfoundation.org/

Fishing - Parker Canyon

LOCATION/DIRECTION:
From Tucson, travel east on I-10 to SR 83 and turn right. Continue south on SR 83 through Sonoita approximately 68 miles and follow signs to lake.

RAMP/ACCESS:
Ramp is improved with steep slope. Fully accessible fishing opportunities and facilities available for physically challenged anglers.

SPORTFISH SPECIES:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Channel Catfish.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY:
Intensive use. Winter stocking only. Stocked with rainbow trout catchables.

PHYSICAL INFORMATION:
Average Acreage -125
Average Depth - 82 ft.
Elevation - 5400 ft.

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waters_parker_canyon_lake.shtml

Four Wheeling

The area has several well known areas for ATV and Four Wheeling:

Patagonia Mountains - This is an easy difficulty trail. This is a scenic mountain drive that reaches five forgotten back country towns; Harshaw, Mowry, Washington Camp, Duquesne and Lochiel.

Gardner Canyon - This is a moderate difficulty trail. It features many side roads to explore, many are difficult. Trail is about 18.3 miles.

Bull Springs Road - This is a moderate difficulty trail of about 24 miles. This features a little used mining road that crosses the Santa Rita Mountains from I-19 to Hwy 82 south of Patagonia.

http://www.experience-az.com/

Fort Huachuca

Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca was annexed in 1971 by the city of Sierra Vista and was declared a national landmark in 1976.

Ghost Towns

Several ghost towns are located in Santa Cruz County. These include Alto, Calabasas, Canelo, Casa Blanca, Crittendon, Duquesne, Harshaw, Kentucky Camp, La Noria, Lochiel, Luttrell, Mowry, Old Glory, Oro Blanco, Ruby, Salero, Tubac, Washington Camp, World's Fair Mine, and Yank's Spring.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/azsantacruz.html

Gift Shop

Several really cool gift shops are located in the Sonoita Area.

Golf

Located just off Buffalo Soldier Trail on historic Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ is one of the jewels of southern Arizona golf. With the majestic Huachuca Mountains as a backdrop and namesake, this traditional golf facility is a "must play" for visitors and residents alike. Operated by Ft Huachuca Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate, this military course is open to the public! No vehicle or visitor pass is required. The golf course gate is located off Buffalo Soldier Trail at the intersection with Wilcox Drive, one block east of the Ft Huachuca's Main Gate.

http://www.mwrhuachuca.com/mtview.html

Hiking

There are lots of hiking opportunities in the area. These include, but not limited to:

Arizona Trail - Kentucky Camp to Gardner Canyon

Access from Gardner Canyon Road prior to entering Sonoita. This 4.2 mile hike is moderate in difficulty and best done in fall winter and spring.

Sonoita Creek

Access from Sonoita - go SW on US 82 towards Patagonia. Go past Patagonia 7 miles and turn right into Patagonia Lake State Park (fee station). This is a 1.2 mile hike that is classified as easy. Best done October to May.

http://www.experience-az.com/

Horseback Riding

Energetic and responsive horses in spectacular scenery. Arizona Horseback Experience rides everyday with 3 hour, full day or wine tasting rides.

http://www.horsebackexperience.com/

Kartchner Caverns

Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2.4 miles (3.9 km) of passages. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers.

The park encompasses most of a down-dropped block of Palaeozoic rocks on the east flank of the Whetstone Mountains. The caverns are carved out of limestone and filled with spectacular speleothem which have been growing for 50,000 years or longer, and are still growing. Careful and technical cave state park development and maintenance are designed to preserve the natural cave system.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html

Kentucky Camp

Los Cienegas National Conservation Area

Five of the rarest habitat types in the American Southwest: cienegas (marshlands), cottonwood-willow riparian forests, sacaton grasslands, mesquite bosques, and semi-desert grasslands.

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/lascienegas.html

Madera Canyon

With lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination. Madera's hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson. Madera Canyon is rated the third best birding destinations in the United States.

http://www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org/

Mountain Biking

Museums

The Fort Huachuca Museum serves the Fort by collecting, preserving and exhibiting artifacts representing its own history and the larger history of the military in the Southwest. Opened in 1960, the Museum houses several thousand objects and documents, many on display in attractive exhibits telling the Fort’s one hundred and thirty-five year story. Civilian visitors are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

http://huachucamuseum.com/

Nature Conservancy - Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

In a verdant floodplain valley between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern Arizona, within the watershed of Sonoita Creek, lies some of the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside) habitat in the region. One of a few remaining permanent streams, it provides for a wide array of diverse species from endangered fishes to butterflies and birds.

This site contains the first two miles of permanent flow of Sonoita Creek and the floodplains adjacent to the stream. The site contains very high biodiversity values that are primarily focused on the riparian habitats along Sonoita Creek.

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/placesweprotect/patagonia-sonoita-creek-preserve.xml

Nature Conservancy - Ramsey Canyon

Ramsey Canyon, located in the Huachuca Mountains within the Upper San Pedro River Basin in southeastern Arizona, is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. This diversity is the result of the interplay of geology, biogeography, topography, and climate. Ramsey Canyon is home to 15 species of hummingbirds from the Huachucas as well as dozens of species whose geographical ranges lie mostly in Mexico.

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/placesweprotect/ramsey-canyon-preserve.xml

Nogales, Mexico

Walking is a popular way to cross the border and Nogales, AZ has many guarded parking lots close to the port-of-entry. Just follow Interstate 19 to the end in Nogales and attendants such as American Valet and Ed's Parking Lot will help you . The cost to park your vehicle all day is very reasonable, generally under $4.00. Most of the shopping and eating attractions are close to the border and within easy walking distance.

Parker Canyon Lake

A beautiful 130-acre lake located in the high cool rolling hills of southern Arizona. Surprisingly close to Tucson. The road to Parker Canyon Lake is paved and offers a very pleasant back country drive, suitable for all types of vehicles.

Services include the Mercantile & Marina store, rest rooms, drinking water, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a lake side trail and a 65-space campground with rest rooms, picnic tables and grills.

http://www.parkercanyonlake.com/

Patagonia

Patagonia is a renowned destination for many American, Canadian and European birders lured by the area’s spectacular array of exotic and unusual birds. The Mountain Empire contains important conservation areas, including one of the only remaining high desert short-grass prairies in America, the San Rafael Valley. Patagonia offers local cuisine, bird watching, and shopping,

Petroglyph

Ancient Indian art dating from approximately 1000-1400 AD. A single-lane mountain road takes you to the top of Garden Canyon on Ft. Huachuca, where a short walk and a climb up "board-walk" steps lead the visitor to a good view of some prehistoric rock paintings. Although a chain-link fence protects them, there are framed openings to allow unobstructed viewing and photography of the paintings.

Restaurants

The Cafe

Adam Puckle is a bona fide local. He was born at Fort Huachuca in 1987. He went to school at Elgin Elementary, and graduated from Patagonia Union High School in 2005. He attended NAU with a focus in HRM, then decided to further focus on food and attended Pima College's Culinary program.

3280 AZ Highway 82,
Sonoita, AZ 85637
520-455-5044

Happy Hour: Thursday - Saturday 3 - 5
Dinner: Thursday - Saturday 5 - 8

Lunch: Daily 11-2

Steak Out

Over 50 years of Serving the finest in-house cut steaks cooked on our mesquite grill and seasoned with our world famous seasoning. Our authentic country atmosphere is perfect for a night on the town or that special occasion. An amazing steak at a great price is what we have been serving up for over 50 years.

The Steak Out Sonoita
3200 South Sonoita Hwy
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
P (520) 455-5205
F (520) 455-5069

Mon-Fri: 5pm - Close
Sat & Sun: 11am- Close

http://www.azsteakout.com/index.html

Tia Nitos

Pizza and Bar

Closed Tuesdays. Open 2PM to close

Overland Trout

3226 Highway 82

Sonoita, AZ 85637

Open daily except Wednesdays
Lunch: 11:30A to 2:00P
Dinner: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sunday Brunch 10:00A to 2:00P

Reservations suggested

San Rafael Ranch Natural Area

The San Rafael State Natural Area is a unique area with rolling hills, native grasses, and oak and cottonwood trees. This beautiful valley is the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, which flows into Mexico then turns north back into the United States and eventually joins the Gila River. The riparian areas and native grass prairie are home to many species of plants and animals. One of the endangered plants, Huachuca Water Umbel grows in the river area. One can also see Mule Deer, Javelina, Antelope, Bobcats, Cougar, Coyote and many birds unique to the prairie.

The San Rafael State Natural Area is currently NOT open to public. At this time there are no plans to open the park to the public. Forest Service road 61, a dirt road, traverses through the park so those interested is seeing the landscape can drive through.

Sonoita - Elgin

The communities of Sonoita and Elgin were established in 1882 along the newly developed Santa Fe railroad running the length of Sonoita creek and extending between the towns of Benson and Nogales. The area was first settled almost a half century earlier due to the vast cattle ranching and mining potential. The Sonoita/Elgin communities were preceded by the establishment of Fort Buchanan and Fort Crittenden. These short-lived forts were founded to protect settlers in the newly occupied region, but were soon abandoned: Fort Buchanan in 1861 due to the outbreak of the civil war (subsequently destroyed to avoid the fort falling into Confederate hands) and Fort Crittenden in 1873, near the close of the Apache Wars. The history of the Sonoita-Elgin Valley goes far beyond the current epoch. Archeological evidence has demonstrated ancient occupation of the area as far back as 2000 BC, as well as, documented Hohokam, possible Sobaipuri (ancesteral relatives to the Pima, Tohono O’odham and Akimel O’odham tribes) and of course the Apache settlements, which was a barrier to new settlement for a number of years. During the 16th and 17th centuries the region saw a new wave of settlement and exploration in the form of Spanish missionaries and explorers, including such important historical figures as Fray Marcos de Niza and Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. Whether searching for gold, scouting a potential mission location, or mapping the unknown, an indelible mark was left by all that have come before, and has added to our colorful history and unique identity. Originally an area devoted primarily to mining and ranching, in more recent years a change has taken place. Although cowboys and miners continue to be a part of our western community, the Sonoita-Elgin Valley has seen a move from traditional ranching to some new avenues of development. The Sonoita-Elgin region now hosts numerous year-round visitors from around the world. From adventures in outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, camping and landscape photography, to enjoyable indoor activities of shopping and wine tasting in friendly award-winning wineries, Sonoita/Elgin offers it all. Our tasty restaurants and comfortable B&B’s encourage you to stay and explore our community for yourselves. We have something for everyone.

http://www.sonoitaelginchamber.org/

Swimming

Patagonia Lake - See Above

The Cove - The Sierra Vista Aquatic Center, aka "The Cove," is a 36,500 sq ft facility that contains 11,347 sq ft of pool water surface, which equates to over 575,000 gallons of water. The Aquatic Center boasts a 0' depth, or "beach",' entry and eight 25 yard lap lanes for lap and competitive swimming; a wave machine with several wave patterns for Open Swim .

http://www.sierravistaaz.gov/department/division.php?fDD=16-257

Tubac

Tubac is a thriving community with over 100 eclectic shops, fine art galleries and eateries. Art and tourism are important to its economy. This internationally known artist community and historic site hosts a variety of special events annually including: Festival of the Arts (Feb); Art Walk (March); Anza Days (Oct); Art Experience (Nov); Luminarias (Dec).

http://www.tubacaz.com/

Tombstone

Allen Street today. One of the most notorious streets in the old west is alive and well in Tombstone. Throughout the past 140 years it has survived two major
fires, the loss of the mining industry, and countless violent encounters.

Each year many thousands of visitors walk where old west heros and villains lived, worked and fought.

From boomtown to bust this little city earned its nickname, "The Town Too Tough To Die".

http://www.cityoftombstone.com/

Water Skiing - Patagonia Lake

At two and a half miles long and 250 surface acres, Patagonia Lake is popular for a variety of recreational activities, including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Because the lake attracts a multitude of water lovers during summer months, water skiing and jet skiing are prohibited on weekends from May - September.

Sonoita AZ Lodging

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2014 TOUR DATES:
FEBRUARY 15
MAY 3
AUGUST 2
OCTOBER 25
DECEMBER 27

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Or call and ask for Christopher Pendleton between 9AM-7PM MST:

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2014 TOUR DATES: FEBRUARY 15 MAY 3 AUGUST 2 OCTOBER 25 DECEMBER 27

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For Vacation Rental Home Questions:

Or call and ask for Christopher Pendleton between 9AM-7PM MST:

2014 TOUR DATES:
FEBRUARY 15
MAY 3
AUGUST 2
OCTOBER 25
DECEMBER 27